A right-hand batsman with a reputation for aggression at all times, Hands lost five of his best years to the Great War at a time he had just broken into the South African side. Against a rampant England side in 1913-14 he scored 281 runs, more than any other South African, with a best of 83 (made out of 98 in 105 minutes) at Port Elizabeth. He served on the western front in the war, winning the DCO and MC. He returned to England in 1924 but his tour was wretched - he made 426 runs in 26 innings and did not bat in the only Test he was selected for. A good allround sportsman, he emulated his two brothers by winning a rugby Blue at Oxford in 1910 but, oddly,. failed to gain one for cricket.
Martin Williamson